Malda, West Bengal: Tensions escalated in parts of Malda district on Thursday as protests over alleged discrepancies in electoral rolls turned violent, leading to road blockades, clashes with security forces, and the vandalism of a police vehicle, according to sources.
In the Jadupur Bypass area of English Bazar, demonstrators attempted to block National Highway 12, a key transport corridor linking North and South Bengal. When police intervened to disperse the blockade, a police vehicle was reportedly attacked and vandalised. The driver sustained injuries, including a head wound, sources said.
Protests also intensified in several other areas, including Manikchak Stand, where residents continued to block roads since Thursday morning. Visuals from the ground showed burning tyres, disrupted traffic, and protesters staging sit-ins on major routes while holding the national flag.
The agitation has severely affected traffic movement along NH-12, one of the region’s most important highways.
Allegations of Voter List Deletions
Protesters alleged that genuine voters have been removed from electoral rolls during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process, triggering widespread anger in several villages. They warned that demonstrations would continue unless authorities assured reinstatement of the deleted names.
The unrest comes a day after a separate incident in Kaliachak, where seven judicial officers involved in voter verification were reportedly gheraoed for several hours at a Block Development Office (BDO).
Supreme Court Expresses Concern
The Supreme Court on Thursday expressed strong disapproval over the incident, observing that state authorities had failed in their responsibilities and describing it as an attempt to demoralise judicial officers.
Police Action and Security Measures
Police have registered 10 cases in connection with the violence, including suo motu FIRs. Security has been significantly tightened across sensitive areas, with deployment of both state police and central forces to restore order and prevent further escalation.
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